Caitlin Clark scores 32 points in triumphant return from injury to hand Liberty their first loss
On Saturday, Caitlin Clark returned to the court after missing almost three weeks with a quad injury — and returned with a bang.
A red-hot first half and a career-high-tying seven 3-pointers from Clark powered the Indiana Fever over the New York Liberty, 102-88. It was New York's first loss of the season after a 9-0 start.
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Clark scored 25 points and hit six 3s in the first half. Clark finished with 32 points — three short of her career high — and added eight rebounds and nine assists.
The Liberty were playing shorthanded with Jonquel Jones still out with an ankle injury and went on an 11-0 run halfway through the first quarter to take an early lead. But then Clark hit three consecutive 3-pointers in a 33-second span.
Clark continued to put on a show, as the Fever took the lead in the second quarter. By the time Clark nailed her fifth 3-pointer, Liberty star Breanna Stewart couldn't help but smile.
After heading into halftime with a 53-50 lead, the Liberty pulled ahead again early in the third. But then it was Indiana's turn as it scored 19 unanswered points.
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Sabrina Ionescu, who finished with a game-high 34 points, was able to pull New York within single digits before the end of the third quarter, but New York went completely cold in the fourth.
Clark slowed down in the second half, and in her place, Kelsey Mitchell stepped in. Mitchell, who finished with 22 points, scored 10 in the fourth quarter to hold Indiana's lead.
Clark, who usually averages 35 minutes per game, played just over 31 minutes. Though the Fever star balked at the idea of going on a minutes restriction pregame, she may still need a few more games to get back to full fitness.
But overall, Clark was full speed ahead in her return, fueling the Indiana crowd. Among the fans excited to see her back was LeBron James, who took to X to celebrate Clark's return.
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"The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!" James wrote.
It was the first 100-point game of the season for the Fever, and the most points allowed by New York this season. As Indiana move to a 5-5, this victory could be a turning point for a Fever team that has been waiting for things to click.
Mostly, though, Indiana will just be glad to have Clark back on the court.
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